Canon EOS 60Da Improved Capture a Astronomical Objects

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Canon has announced a new EOS digital SLR camera, specifically designed for astronomy enthusiasts: the EOS 60Da.

Designed to replace the company's existing EOS 20Da, the EOS 60Da boasts a range of features designed to make the camera more appealing to astrophotographers including a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity for improved capture of red hydrogen emission nebulae.

"The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs of every customer, including those in specialised fields", claimed Canon's Yuichi Ishizuka at the launch. "This new camera enables an accurate depiction of a part of our solar system which is hard to achieve with conventional cameras but should be enjoyed and celebrated."


Modified Infrared Cut Filter Canon has altered the filter to provide the Canon 60Da with greater infrared light sensitivity and enabled it to achieve hydrogen-alpha light transparency. Hydrogen-alpha, also referred to as H-alpha or Hα, is a very specific red visible spectral line created by hydrogen with a wavelength of 656.28nm. This red visible line in the spectrum occurs when hydrogen electrons fluctuate between the second and third-tiered orbits (or energy levels) of a hydrogen atom (according to the Balmer Series). When they move between these levels they absorb or release energy; and this emission and absorption of energy occurs at 656nm. The IR cut filter modification of the 60Da helps to allow as much light as possible to pass through this narrow bandwidth at the H-alpha frequency. This produces a 20-percent higher transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or Hα wavelength, allowing astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae.

Canon has developed the 60Da with an 18 megapixel sensor. The ISO has been capped at 6400 for quality purposes (though it can be expanded to 12,800). Other features include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities. With features like manual exposure control, the option to attach on any of the Canon EF or EF-S lenses, and various audio adjustments--including an external stereo mic connection, and both manual and auto gain control--the Canon 60Da puts DSLR film-making at your fingertips. With the built-in 1920 x 1080 HD video resolution users will be able to capture MOV video clips up to 4GB in size (time depends on resolution). Other noteworthy features of the video function include in-camera editing, a number of other recording resolutions to choose from, and an HDMI output for one-cable connection to your HDTV.

The rear of the camera includes a 3.0in Clear View LCD Vari-angle flip-out display and a live view mode with support for TV output. A silent shooting feature is also included, to remove shutter-induced vibration which can knock a telescope out of alignment. A remote controller adapter is included in the package, allowing the camera to work with optional external controls such as the Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Control for long exposures.